Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday Confessional: Liquid Please

I often use Friday Confessionals to vent and let it all out-though there was the time that I told the Tragic Tale a must read- and today, well today you will learn something about me that few people know. Are you ready?

I can't swallow pills.

Well I should say I can't swallow pills like a normal person.

As a child I would go to the dentist every three months. My dentist wanted to stay on top of my teeth to prevent any cavities as he didn't want any treatment to lead to complications with my heart. Before going to the dentist, then and still to this day, I had to premedicate with Penicillin. I remember many times my mom picking me up from school and in the car swallowing that nasty pink liquid down. My dentist was in Chicago- so we had almost a hour drive for the medicine to do its stuff. And then I had to suffer through the second dose after my appointment.

As I began to get older my Pediatrician would fill my next prescription and my mom would have to specify the liquid please. "she still can't swallow pills?" he would question. "have her practice with M&M's.".

And so I would practice. I would pop an M&M in my mouth, take a swig of water and that darn thing would just swim all around in my mouth but never head down.

And so this continued well into my teenage years, another prescription, another liquid please. Pills that weren't available as liquids, my mom would crush up and put in a spoonful of applesauce or peanut butter.

And then somewhere along the line I got an idea. I have no idea when or how I came up with this idea. I would take the pill and place it on a small piece of bread. I then ever so carefully chew the bread- making sure I don't bite into the pill as it just tastes nasty- trust me- and then swallow it all. Something about the chewing motion tricks my body into being able to swallow the pill. So I am essentially swallowing the pill dry, though I do take a big drink of water right after to help it go the rest of the way down.

When I began birth control shortly before I got married I knew this bread method would get ridiculous for a daily pill and did learn to swallow that tiny pill like a normal person. And Tylenol- especially if it is coated- I can do that now too.

But my giant multi-vitamin and calcium I take every night, well I have a little lunch baggie with a piece of bread that sits right next to my pills.

Also, speaking of Mamarazzi's, she and Seriously Shawn... Are doing a vlog meme on Tuesday the 1st of March- So to not conflict with them too much, as they are both totally popular, I will be doing my Ten Things to Smile About on Monday. So you can write your list for Monday or I will be leaving, Mr. linkey open for the entire week, so anytime that week you can write your post and link up. And please do, it makes me oh so happy.

Hey Emmy! Sorry it's been awhile since I've stopped by. I haven't been blog hopping as much. But I was excited to see ya on Mamarazzi's link up today. I had to laugh when I read this because my husband is the SAME WAY. He hates swallowing pills, crushes 'em, mashes 'em, but I should tell him about the bread trick. That may work! I am just the opposite, I can't stand the liquid stuff. haha :)

I don't have an issue with swallowing pills so to speak, but I have to get water or another drink in my mouth before I put the pill in my mouth. Having a dry mouth and getting the pill in there gets it stuck on my tongue and then I can't swallow it. I also then take another sip after putting the pill in my mouth, to help it all go down.

Those are worse because they taste terrible, and have you ever noticed if you burp right after it tastes like it? TMI? Totally gross? Yes.

A woman I worked with a couple of years ago asked me for a couple of Tylenol (I only use extra strength, rapid release gels - which are not exactly cheap) and after a half an hour of trying to take it in a very dramatic manner. She decided she just couldn't do it. I was annoyed.

Man I am the complete and total opposite. I can toss back all my meds in one swallow. And there are at least 5 pills. If I actually took vitamins--totally should--I would do that separate. My mom on the other hand can only do a couple at a time. Some people have small esophagus-es. Maybe that is it. Do you choke easily? Listen to me, suddenly I am a doctor? Haha.

I'm totally giggling here in front of my computer! The bread in the baggie did it! My husband gags on his teeny tiny pills every night, so this cracks me up. I mean, in a 'wow, I empathize with you way.' Really. :)

I worry that my little boy is going to be the same way!! He has the strongest gag reflex I've ever seen. He can throw up at the drop of a hat. So, to get him to take a pill is just ridiculous. He rarely takes medicine at all. Thank goodness for chewable Tylenol, liquid Benadryl, and chewable vitamins...that's about the extent of what he'll take.

I was the same way! I do ok now but it took some time to teach myself to do it. I think I tried the lean your head back as far as it will go method! The big ones sometimes still get me but at least I finally figured it out!

I feel your pain. I can swallow pills okay, but I've gotten to the point that I just do NOT want to swallow those big ones: vitamins, calcium, and glucosamine. I've had it! I've rebelled. Costco, bless them, has chewable vitamins for adults, calcium chews (sort of chocolatey), and liquid glucosamine that you put into orange juice. I should have done this years ago.

I don't have any problems swallowing pills tho I do agree the big vitamins are a challenge...my hubby on the other hand its awful to watch him even the teeny tiny ones he would struggle with now he just chews them ugh he VERY rarely takes any medication he would rather suffer poor guy glad to read that you found something to help you

My hubs makes fun of me because I cant swallow pills either! I mean I can but it takes me forever. I have to put water in my mouth first, then stick the pill carefully in my mouth thats full of water then swallow...or attempt to!

I can so relate to the dental pre med! I was so relieved when the AHA changed the guidlines so that you only have to take the meds BEFORE, and they reduced the number you had to take. I remember before, I used to have to take something like 11 pills total! 4 is MUCH nicer...

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I'm a Midwest born, Living out West, SAHM of 3. I'm a glass-half full but keeping it real kind of girl. I'm a professional photographer, wannabe crafter, and lately lucky if I make a real dinner. On my blog I share life, pretty pictures, crafts and sometimes even get a little bit political. Mostly I am just taking life One Day At a Time.

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